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Help

19 14:43:47

Question
QUESTION: My family and i own a 2 year old australin shepard. We bought her from a breeder close to our home and since we brought her home she has been aggressive. We thought with age she would grow out of it but shes progressively gotten worse, she even shows her aggression towards the family, cornering us in the hallway and lunging with her teeth showing. She has bitten us more times than I can count but not doing a lot of damage. Everyone including family and friends outside the home are terrified of her. We have looked into many behavioralists and 2 have even said to euthanize her, but my father won't do it. She has bitten and chased the neighbors and even scared them out of THEIR own yard. We need help!

ANSWER: The first thing I would do is to have your veterinarian examine her and test her for thyroid problems (full panel, and send to Michigan/Dr. Dodds for evaluation).  It's prevalent in the Aussie breed.  (so is epilepsy) Did the behaviorists you worked with try her on any medications, such as Clomicalm?  In the absence of that, there are some over the counter supplements that are supposed to help with aggression.  ProQuiet or NutriCalm.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our veterinarian gave us a calming pill but it didn't seem to work. she seemed as if since she was tired she was more aggressive.

Answer
Well, the breed standard for these dogs says "strong herding and guarding instinct", and if not well trained early they can learn how to manipulate you, versus you training them.  You need the services of a qualified behaviorist, someone with a DVM or PhD.  It is not safe, or ok that your own dog is herding you in your own house and getting aggressive to enforce her will.  Have you had the thyroid panel done yet????